5 Indian cricketers whose deaths remain a mystery

5 Indian cricketers whose deaths remain a mystery (Source:X/Twitter)

Cricket has given the world many heroes who have etched their names in the history books with memorable performances. However, not all stories end on a high note. Some cricketers have made headlines for tragic and unexplained reasons, with their deaths raising more questions than answers. Whether on the field or off, these losses left the cricketing fraternity in shock. Here let us look at five Indian cricketers whose deaths still remain shrouded in mystery.

5 Indian cricketers whose deaths remain a mystery 1. Rajesh Peter

Former Delhi cricketer Rajesh Peter was found dead in his New Delhi flat under mysterious circumstances in early 1996, at the age of 36. A fast bowler and a handy lower-order batter, he is best remembered for his unbeaten 67 in a crucial ninth-wicket stand in the 1981-82 Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka. Despite his contribution to Delhi cricket, his sudden death raised eyebrows, there was no suicide note, and the circumstances of his passing continue to remain unexplained.

2. Rajashree Swain

The 26-year-old cricketer Rajashree Swain from Odisha was found dead in a dense forest in Cuttack in 2022. Her body was discovered hanging from a tree. The reports suggested that she had been excluded from the state team despite strong performances, leading to speculation about the circumstances of her death. The case sparked outrage and suspicion, as her family and supporters questioned the official narrative.

3. VB Chandrasekhar

Former Indian cricketer Vakkadai Biksheswaran Chandrasekhar was found dead at his Chennai residence on August 15, 2019. A hard-hitting opening batter, he represented India in seven ODIs between 1988 and 1990. After retirement, he took on roles as coach, selector, and commentator. His sudden demise, reported as suicide, was allegedly linked to financial stress and mounting debts from his cricket academy.

4. Ankit Keshri

Ankit Keshri from Bengal tragically passed away in 2015 following an on-field collision during a CAB Senior one-day knock-out match. Although he initially showed signs of recovery in the hospital, he later suffered a massive cardiac arrest and was declared dead. The unexpected turn of events and reports of mismanagement during his treatment raised serious concerns about medical preparedness in domestic cricket.

5. Wasim Raja

Former Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Raja passed away while playing a veterans’ match in England. He suffered a heart attack mid-game. His sudden death at age 54 stunned the cricketing world, especially as he had served as a coach and an ICC match referee. While not entirely mysterious in cause, the abruptness of his death during a match makes it a haunting event.